See full profile: Paarl Accountant - Monica de Beer
Were you always planning to be an accountant and why?
From a very young age, I was (or so I was told) forever counting everything! From stairs, to the number of blocks in a chocolate slab! Working with numbers came naturally to me.
As the years went by, it became clear that accounting and numbers were the best choice for me!
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their theirs?
It depends what my clients prefer.
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
WhatsApp and e-mails are effective, but face to face meetings build the relationship and trust.
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about accounting?
The fact that it MUST work out. It's very much an exact science. Of course there are grey areas in all industries, but if you go back to the basics you will always come to the correct conclusion.
Would you recommend accounting as a career for school-leavers, and why?
I am passionate about accounting! If you understand accounting, there is no reason not to love it. However, being an accountant is not or everyone. The industry is full of opportunities for bookkeepers, accountants, auditors, financial advisors galore!
My personal opinion - a B.Com Accounting Degree gives you the best base for any business direction!
What qualities should South African business people be looking for in their accountant?
Integrity. The profession demands integrity - doing the right thing, even though no one is watching!
What is the biggest challenge facing accountants today?
Accountants are classically seen as historians. Financial statements are results that show what happened in the past. My opinion is that accountants should focus on where they can add value to their clients' businesses. Compiling accurate and timeous management statements, could be of tremendous value to clients.
What aspects of accounting do you focus on most?
Giving my clients timeous, accurate information and discussing it, in order make decisions. Depending on the client's needs this can be weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
Technology shortens the distance in the modern day and age. I am comfortable with anything from Paarl to Perth.
From your accounting experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons SME's in SA fail, what would it be?
Lack of information and experience. being an entrepreneur is having to be be, and manage every department in your business. My advise - get an expert to handle the part of the business that you hate doing. More often than not - Finance! Outsourcing the Finance Department of your business will result in you having more time to focus on the part (and reason) you started your business in the first place!
What accounting software do you like best?
Sage One, Pastel Partner, Sage One Payroll, ITMates
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
AnyList, Excel, Reminders, CALANDER!
See how our other local South African accountants have answered the above questions.
